What Happened
On approximately 26 June 2024, the defunct Russian Earth observation satellite Resurs-P No. 1 experienced a break-up event at approximately 355 km altitude. The 6,570 kg satellite, launched in June 2013, had been decommissioned in 2021 and was slowly losing altitude as its orbit decayed. The US Space Force's 18th Space Defense Squadron subsequently tracked over 100 associated debris fragments.
Key Facts
| Date | ~26 June 2024 |
| Satellite | Resurs-P No. 1 — Russian Earth observation satellite |
| Launched | 25 June 2013 |
| Decommissioned | 2021 |
| Mass | ~6,570 kg |
| Break-up Altitude | ~355 km |
| Tracked Fragments | 100+ |
| ISS Altitude at Time | ~420 km (~65 km above the break-up) |
| Suspected Cause | Residual propellant explosion or battery failure (not confirmed) |
ISS Proximity
The break-up altitude of ~355 km placed the debris cloud dangerously close to the ISS orbit at ~420 km. Crucially, some fragments were boosted to higher altitudes by the fragmentation energy — potentially into or above ISS altitude. The ISS crew were briefly instructed to shelter in their docked spacecraft as a precaution while the debris cloud was assessed. This was the second time in three years that ISS crew sheltered due to Russian-origin debris, following the Kosmos 1408 ASAT test in 2021.
Cause and Context
The precise cause was not publicly confirmed by Russia. Probable causes include residual propellant explosion (common in older Russian spacecraft that were not fully passivated at end of life), battery rupture, or external debris impact. The satellite had been defunct for three years without controlled deorbiting, highlighting the ongoing problem of unpassivated, uncontrolled Soviet and Russian-era spacecraft in LEO.
Debris Fate
At ~355 km, atmospheric drag is significant. Most fragments from this event are expected to re-enter within 1–3 years. Fragments boosted to higher altitudes may persist somewhat longer. By early 2026, many of the lower fragments have already decayed and re-entered.